Overview
The Cloud Engineer plays a critical role in supporting a federal government program by focusing primarily on migrating sensitive workloads to the cloud. This hands-on position requires expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining cloud architectures, with an emphasis on security, scalability, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement secure, scalable, and highly available cloud solutions on Azure Government, utilizing PaaS/IaaS services and containerization (Kubernetes, Docker, AKS).
- Create and execute detailed cloud migration plans while ensuring security and compliance throughout the process.
- Drive enhancements for cloud management platforms, evaluating their performance and making necessary improvements.
- Develop infrastructure as code (IAC) using CI/CD pipelines with tools such as Terraform and ARM templates.
- Lead cloud consulting engagements, providing strategic insights on cloud architecture, technology deployments, and portfolio management.
- Educate and guide stakeholders and engineering teams on effective cloud solutions, security best practices, and cost optimization strategies.
- Participate in technical project reviews to ensure designs meet operational and security requirements.
- Maintain technical documentation and stay updated on emerging tools and best practices.
Mandatory Qualifications
- Education: Associate's degree and 14+ years of experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of experience; OR Master’s Degree and 10+ years of experience; OR 7 years with PhD. A degree in one of the following fields is highly desired: Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Mathematics, or Software Engineering.
- However, four (4) years of additional relevant experience or specialized training may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Certification requirements: Cloud+, Security+, or computing environment certificate relevant to assigned duties (equivalent to IAT Level II or III);
- Desired- AWS or Azure Administrator.
- Active Secret clearance (with TS/SCI eligibility preferred).
- Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies.
- Knowledge of risk management processes.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, cyber threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Knowledge of cloud computing service models Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
- Knowledge of cloud computing deployment models in private, public, and hybrid environments.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience specifically within Microsoft Azure Government.
- Proven experience in designing flexible, scalable, and highly-available cloud architectures and systems.
- Expertise in containerization technologies (Kubernetes, Docker) and IAC tools (Terraform, ARM templates).
- Familiarity with DevOps concepts and tools (GitLab, JIRA, Jenkins).
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, security tools, and principles.
- In-depth expertise with DAF CLOUDWorks (multi-cloud environments).
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) and cyber threat intelligence platforms.
- Knowledge of AI/ML concepts and tools.
Highly Desired Certifications
Cloud:
- Azure Solutions Architect Expert,
- Azure Administrator Associate,
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator,
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Professional/Associate)
- Cloud Security:
- CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional),
- Cloud+ (CompTIA Cloud Plus),
- GCLD (GIAC Cloud Security Essentials),
- GCSA (GIAC Cloud Security Automation)
- Project Management:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification,
- PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP),
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)